Connecting on the French Riviera

Don’t be fooled by the mesmerizing water views and brimming marinas.

The creators and thinkers who annually descend upon this idyllic town for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity are there for a week of growth of inspiration. As we joined them, we had a singular mission in mind: to build and strengthen connections with other women who are each changing the world in her own way.

Rebecca Minkoff; Dee Poku, founder and CEO of WIE; Jennifer DaSilva, President of Berlin Cameron; Sophia Amoruso, founder of Girlboss Media pose after speaking on a panel organized by The Female Quotient.

“You can find mentorship all over. Get to know someone in an industry that you know nothing about.” —Rebecca Minkoff

Rebecca Minkoff; Samantha Barry, Editor-in-Chief of Glamour; Dee Poku

The Gathering Place

Individuals are strong. But when we come together, we are a force. In the spirit of female camaraderie, we partnered with The Female Quotient, an organization committed to equality in the workplace, to create a t-shirt sold in The Girls’ Lounge. As women from all over the world came together to meet and learn from each other, the energy in the lounge was intoxicating. Our tee reflects this ambition and optimism.

The Together is Better T-Shirt

“We all have so many facets and it’s about bringing all of that to work – being a mother, daughter, sister, friend, having a good day or bad. It’s refreshing when people can break down those walls and barriers.” —Rebecca Minkoff

Rebecca Minkoff speaks with Erin Lim, the host of E! News’ The Rundown.

The depth and scale of the activity happening all around us—the panels, discussions, dinners, spontaneous exchanges—was staggering. It reminded us of what the professional world could be. The women in Cannes were there as equals to create an authentic community and lift each other up.

The Conversation

The Experience

From uplifting lunches, to interviews with outlets like E!, Variety, and Fast Company, to panels and a keynote speech, our days in Cannes were an exhilarating whirlwind. As we head back to New York, exhausted and sun-kissed, we are propelled forward by the women we met and the lessons we learned. Once you attend the Cannes Lions Festival, you are never the same.